Agriculture

Since Adams County’s beginnings, farmers have driven the local economy and produced quality food for an ever-expanding world population. Today agriculture remains at the heart of our economy as one of the county’s two leading economic drivers. The anchor of Adams County’s unique agriculture industry is the Historic South Mountain Fruit Belt – America’s Orchard. The fruit belt boasts more than 20,000 acres of fruit orchards. A thriving fruit industry has existed here for more than a century, and an impressive network of supporting agribusinesses like equipment dealers and processing plants has grown to support its needs. Fruit growers sell their produce directly to consumers at farmers markets and farm stands, to local manufacturers that distribute value-added products like juice and applesauce across the world, and to distributors that ship quality fruit near and far.

The fruit belt is home to rich soils that rival those found in Italy, perfect for grape cultivation. A growing number of wineries offer a unique taste of Adams County with stunning vistas and fantastic entertainment.

Beyond the fruit belt, Adams County is home to dairy, livestock and crop operations that produce food, fuel and fiber for the world. They utilize the latest technology to produce more with less, while also practicing effective conservation methods like nutrient management, cover crops, streamside buffers and no-till or low-till farming to ensure the continued health of the soil.

Adams County’s agriculture industry and the people who live here are committed to preserving these productive lands for future generations. To date, with support from local, state and federal government dollars, as well as private funds from the Land Conservancy of Adams County, 32,050 acres of land have been permanently preserved. A balance is struck between responsible preservation of those lands most suited for production agriculture and those lands that are best for residential and commercial development.

Agriculture In Adams County

• Penn State Cooperative Extension – stats; economic impact of Agriculture in Adams County
• Ag Tours – Gettysburg Wine & Fruit Trail; Hollabaugh Bros.; Mason Dixon Farms
  (1800 Mason Dixon Rd., Gettysburg, PA 17325/P. (717) 334-4056/ masondixonfarms@embarqmail.com)
• Farmers Markets – Adams County Farmers’ Market Association and Gettysburg Farmers’ Market Association
• Farm Families Rejoice – Elimination of Inheritance Tax article written by Alex Chiaruttini, environmental attorney at Stock and Leader.
• Act 46 Article by Stock and Leader.